Evaluation of the observation of infection control protocols in dental offices during the COVID-19 pandemic based on Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines in Zahedan in 2020-2021

Abstract

Coronavirus disease-2019(COVID-19) was identified as a significant threat to health worldwide. During dental procedures, large amounts of aerosols are produced; therefore, dentists, the staff, and patients are exposed to the virus. The present study aimed to evaluate the observation of infection control protocols in dental offices during the COVID-19 pandemic based on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC) guidelines in Zahedan, Iran, in 2020-2021. The present descriptive study was carried out with the collaboration of general dental practitioners and specialists in 11 clinics and 133 private dental offices in the public and private sectors in Zahedan, who were active during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020-2021. The simple sampling method was used, and the data were collected using a checklist prepared based on the guidelines of the CDC. The dentists’ personal protection score was 63%, with 73% for the patients and clients. The mean scores for the personnel’s educational requirements, patients’ and clients’ educational requirements, screening, and personal protection equipment in the dental centers were 76%, 60.5%, 71.8%, and 81%, respectively. The observation of the infection prevention protocols in the dental offices in Zahedan by dentists, staff, and patients was moderate, necessitating further and more appropriate programs to improve it based on the CDC guidelines. Continuous education programs are necessary for dentists, with further information for the general population through the mass media and virtual social networks. periodic studies are necessary to evaluate the efficacy of these programs so that modifications in the policies can be implemented if necessary.